The amila of Majlis Ansarullah Canada was blessed with the opportunity to meet Hazrat Amirul Momineen, Khalifatul Masih V, may Allah be his Helper, in a virtual mulaqat on 4 June 2023.
After conveying salaam, Huzooraa asked, “Is it just the amila of Majlis Ansarullah Canada or all the ansar of Canada?” Abdul Hameed Waraich Sahib, Sadr Majlis Ansarullah Canada, said that the qaideen of the national majlis-e-amila, regional zu‘ama and their amila, the nazimeen-e-a‘la and their amila, and all zu‘ama were present.
Huzooraa led everyone in silent prayer, after which, the members had the opportunity to introduce themselves.
Seated to Sadr Sahib’s right was Sohail Saqib Sahib, Naib Sadr I, who is a missionary serving as a teacher in Jamia Ahmadiyya Canada. Huzooraa asked him about the duties assigned by Sadr Sahib. Sohail Saqib Sahib reported he has been assigned various duties by Sadr Sahib and oversees the Ishaat department. Huzooraa enquired if any Majlis Ansarullah magazine was printed regularly, to which Sohail Saqib Sahib replied that they had a quarterly magazine called Nahnu Ansarullah. Hearing this, Huzooraa remarked, “Despite the large number of ansarullah in Canada, you are still publishing it quarterly.” Sohail Saqib Sahib replied that they would make efforts to turn it into a monthly publication.
Nasir Ahmad Sahib, Naib Sadr, reported his tasks included overseeing the committee responsible for compiling, editing, and preparing the history of Majlis Ansarullah Canada. Huzooraa enquired about the progress of the work, to which Nasir Ahmad Sahib responded that they had collected information spanning the years 1977-2022. He added that the remaining task involved placing the collected information in a historical context and format. Huzooraa asked when Majlis Ansarullah started in Canada to which Nasir Sahib said that Majlis Ansarullah started in 1977, but the first Sadr who was elected came into office in 1991. Huzooraa enquired about the identity of the first Za‘eem-e-A‘la. Nasir Ahmad Sahib said that the first Za‘eem-e-A‘la was in 1977, but he could not recall the name.
Muhammad Kaleem Sahib was next to report. He said that he was serving as Qaid Maal. During the conversation, Huzooraa asked him about his hometown in Pakistan and how long he had been in Canada.
Khalid Mahmood Sharma Sahib reported that he was serving as Qaid Talim. He said that his responsibilities included preparing the quarterly exams and creating the syllabus. Huzooraa asked him about the number of individuals who took the exam in the previous year and which books were assigned for study. Khalid Mahmood Sharma Sahib replied that the exams were conducted quarterly and they had already completed two quarters. Regarding the books, he mentioned that for the first quarter, they had assigned the book Our Teaching, while for the second and third quarters, the book Shahadatul Quran was set. Lastly, for the fourth quarter, he stated that the book Nishan-e-Asmani was selected. Huzooraa enquired if the ansar study these books. Khalid Mahmood Sharma Sahib responded that he had noticed a decrease in the ansar’s attention towards studying. Huzooraa then asked about the percentage of participants in the last quarter’s exam. Khalid Mahmood Sharma Sahib informed him that 45% had taken part. Huzooraa enquired if the national, regional, and local amila members also participated in the exam and advised that they should all do so.
Sanaullah Khan Sahib mentioned he had been serving as a Naib Sadr for the past two years. He reported that he was overseeing two regions and expressed his commitment to implementing any instructions given to him. Huzooraa asked him about the number of ansar in these two regions. Sanaullah Khan Sahib replied that there were approximately 495 ansar in the Toronto West region and 439 in the Prairies region.
Atta-ul-Rabb Sahib mentioned that he was serving as a Naib Sadr. On seeing him, Huzooraa smiled and in a light-hearted comment, remarked, “Judging by your health, it seems like you should be assigned the duty of Ziafat.” Atta-ul-Rabb Sahib reported that he had been given the responsibility of overseeing two regions. Huzooraa enquired about the date of the ijtema, to which Atta-ul-Rabb Sahib responded that it would take place in the third week of August.
Faisal Ahmad Khan Sahib, Qaid Tajnid, reported that they had been making efforts to manage the tajnid for the past four years. He also mentioned that they had developed software for the purposes of recording the tajnid, and emphasised that they were continuously updating the tajnid.
Muhammad Musa Sahib, Qaid Ishaat, had the opportunity to introduce his duties. On seeing him, Huzooraa lovingly remarked that he had aged. Huzooraa, referring to the quarterly magazine, said to Muhammad Musa Sahib that the magazine should be printed more frequently to ensure a larger readership. Huzooraa also emphasised the importance of the amila members reading it regularly; “otherwise, it’s a waste of potential,” Huzooraa added. Huzooraa said the articles published should cover a wide range of topics, and efforts should be made to encourage more writers among the ansarullah as it is also a responsibility of the Ishaat department. Huzooraa proposed holding an article writing competition to encourage more writers to come forward.
During the conversation with Attaul Majeed Zafar Sahib, Qaid Tarbiyat, Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa enquired about the number of ansar who offer salat in congregation. Attaul Majeed Zafar Sahib replied that significant work was required in this area and mentioned that, based on the available data, around 50% offered their salat. Huzooraa expressed concern and remarked, “If attention is not given to prayer by the ansar [at such an age], then when will it be?” Huzooraa said that they should be given reminders about offering salat and reciting the Holy Quran and its translation from time to time. Attaul Majeed Zafar Sahib further reported some of the duties they carried out during the month of Ramadan. Upon hearing this, Huzooraa remarked that he should work and fulfil these duties throughout the year.
Mian Muhammad Naeem Sahib, Mu‘awin Sadr, reported that he oversaw Majlis Ansarullah properties and Ziafat. Huzooraa enquired about the location of the properties, to which Mian Muhammad Naeem Sahib replied that Majlis Ansarullah had three properties, all of which were located in Peace Village. Following this, Naseer Ahmad Mirza Sahib and Mian Muhammad Naeem Sahib, Rukn Khasoosi, introduced themselves.
While speaking with Muhammad Daud Sahib, Za‘eem-e-A‘la Muaqami, Huzooraa enquired about the number of Ansar. In response, Muhammad Daud Sahib stated that the total tajnid in Peace Village was 491. Attal Muhayuddin Sahib, Additional Qaid Maal, reported that his duties included accounting, bookkeeping, and managing the bank accounts. Kashif Arshad Sahib, Additional Qaid Ishaat, reported that he was working on updating and uploading various content on their website. Syed Saleem Ahmad Sahib, Additional Qaid Tarbiyat, reported that his work involved collecting data and sharing it with all regions.
Next, Syed Faruq Shehzad Sahib, Qaid Waqf-e-Jadid, reported that last year they had contributed 38% of the total Waqf-e-Jadid contribution by the members of Canada Jamaat. On hearing this, Huzooraa said, “You have done an excellent job!”
While speaking with Dr Mirza Tahir Ahmad Sahib, Additional Qaid Tabligh, Huzooraa asked how many bai‘ats he had secured this year. In response, Dr Mirza Tahir Ahmad Sahib replied that so far they had been able to secure four bai‘ats through their efforts.
Aasim Bhali Sahib, Qaid Umumi, reported that there were 110 majalis, and all of them would submit their reports. Huzooraa enquired if remarks or feedback were provided for the reports. Aasim Bhali Sahib replied that efforts were being made, and feedback was being given on most of the reports. Huzooraa said that they should strive to provide remarks for all of the reports.
While speaking with Muhammad Afzal Malik Sahib, Additional Qaid Umumi, Huzooraa asked if he was currently working or if he was retired. To which he replied that he worked at a bank. Fakhar Chughtai Sahib, Additional Qaid Umumi, reported that his duty involved software development. Muhammad Ahmad Sahib, Mu‘avin Sadr, reported that he was overseeing three regions and two departments. Additionally, Nasir Iqbal Sahib, Mu‘avin Sadr, had the opportunity to introduce himself.
Muhammad Arshad Malik, Qaid Talim-ul-Quran and Waqf-e-Arzi, reported that classes were being held for Ta‘lim-ul-Quran. He mentioned that thus far, 1060 classes had been conducted in various majalis and regions. Regarding Waqf-e-Arzi, Huzooraa suggested encouraging amila members to participate in it.
Shafique Ahmad Khan Sahib, Qaid Tahrik-e-Jadid, reported that they had contributed 35% of the total Jamaat contribution for the year. Then, Muhammad Akbar Bhatti Sahib, Qaid Zihanat wa Sehat-e-Jismani, reported that a detailed plan had been made, and he added that they were organising a cricket tournament and a volleyball tournament. Next, Fatih-ud-Din Sahib reported that he was serving as the auditor.
Rumi Sahi Sahib and Saud Ahmad Sahib, both serving as naib qaideen isaar, had the opportunity to introduce themselves. Following that, Qaid Isaar reported that seven charity walks were held in various regions across the country. He added that these charity walks were conducted during the summer months until September. Huzooraa enquired about their contributions to Humanity First. In response, qaid isaar stated that whenever required, they would provide support. He cited the example of their aid during the recent Turkey earthquake. Additionally, he mentioned that they were currently working on a water treatment plant in Belize.
Huzooraa then encouraged them to initiate a humanitarian project in Africa. Huzooraa said that Ansarullah should establish a hospital or undertake a significant project in Africa. He cited the example of Majlis Ansarullah in the UK, which has established an eye institute in Burkina Faso. Huzooraa emphasised that Ansarullah Canada should also engage in such endeavours. Qaid Isaar mentioned that they were currently involved in a water-well project and considered undertaking a significant project once the water-well project is completed.
Imtiaz Khwaja Sahib, Mu‘awin Sadr, reported that he was assisting in the Maal, Isaar, and Sehat-e-Jismani departments.
Next, Shakeel Ghuman Sahib, Naib Qaid Zihanat wa Sehat-e-Jismani, Suhaib Qurashi Sahib, Naib Qaid Maal, and Attaul Qayoom Sahib, Naib Qaid Umumi, introduced themselves. Then, Muhammad Abdullah Sahib, Qaid Tarbiyat Nau Mubai’een, reported that there had been 11 nau muba’een in the last three years. Huzooraa enquired about the origin of the new converts. Muhammad Abdullah Sahib responded that there were three Canadians, four from Pakistan, two from India, and two from Arab countries.
Following this, Daud Ismael Sahib, Nazim-e-A‘la Ilaqa Western Canada; Asad Saeed Sahib, Naib Qaid Tarbiyat; Mahmood Ahmad Mubashar Sahib, Naib Qaid Tabligh; Masood Ahmad Sahib, Naib Qaid Ishaat; and Mirza Waqas Ahmad Sahib, Additional Qaid Ta‘lim, had the opportunity to introduce themselves.
Thereafter, during the remaining time, some members had the chance to ask Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa some questions.
Daud Ismael Sahib, Nazim-e-A‘la Ilaqa of Western Canada, stated that it has been observed that children growing up in the West have a communication gap with their parents, and as a result, they are unable to freely express their thoughts. He sought Huzoor’saa advice on what parents should do to alleviate this gap.
Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa responded by mentioning that he has addressed this matter in his meetings, sermons, speeches, and mulaqats. He emphasised that in the early stages, a child is naturally attached to their parents. Huzooraa added that if parents maintain this attachment and encourage open communication, even as the child grows older and ventures outside, they should make it a habit to share their experiences and listen to what the child has to say. Huzooraa stressed the importance of children having confidence that their parents will truly listen to and acknowledge what they share. He also mentioned that there are indeed parents who follow this approach, and as a result, their children remain closely connected to them.
Huzooraa mentioned that some people argue that children spend excessive time in school or remain outside, which leads to various influences. Huzooraa added that when the home environment is peaceful and children perceive a friendly relationship with their parents, they tend to share many things and prefer spending time at home. In Western society, children attend school for approximately 170 days a year, leaving the remaining time to be spent with their parents at home. If a child chooses to go out and play with friends, it would typically be for a couple of hours. However, if a child is consistently spending six to eight hours outside, it reflects the parents’ shortcomings. It implies that the child is not content with the home environment provided by the parents.
Parents need to dedicate time to their children, ensuring that the children feel and understand their parents’ compassion towards them, Huzooraa added.
Huzooraa emphasised the importance of explaining the teachings of Islam to children, especially in relation to the societal issues prevalent today. Huzooraa added that one effective way to do this is by crafting stories that convey the message. Parents should engage in discussions about how Islam guides and supports us, as well as what Allah has conveyed on these matters. It is crucial to help children understand the qualities of a virtuous Ahmadi child and how they should conduct themselves. Huzooraa acknowledged that parents sometimes shy away from discussing certain topics, even though the child may have unanswered questions. In such situations, Huzooraa advised parents to take the initiative and start the conversation.
Huzooraa said that it is essential for children to recognise that everything parents do is for their well-being and benefit.
Huzooraa then turned to Sadr Sahib and said, “We have many qaideen, nazimeen, and muntazimeen present here, and, Masha-Allah, the Canada Jamaat is sizable.” Huzooraa mentioned that since there are numerous nazimeen, if another meeting takes place, they would have the opportunity to introduce themselves.
Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa said, “May Allah enable Canada’s ansarullah to fulfil their obligations in the right manner,” along with fulfilling the rights of their children, of future generations, and of the Jamaat. “However, none of this can be achieved without sacrifice”, Huzooraa said.
Huzooraa emphasised that ansarullah, being mature individuals, should make concerted efforts to understand how they can nurture and prepare the next generation. If any sense of laziness arises, it should be overcome. Huzooraa stressed the importance of active participation from the majalis at every level and highlighted that all amila members, particularly the nasir members, should cultivate a special relationship with Allah. Huzooraa placed significant emphasis on offering prayers and reciting the Holy Quran. Huzooraa said that when such an environment is established within households, it ensures the fulfilment of the rights of both spouses and children.
Huzooraa acknowledged that it is a significant challenge in Western countries, particularly in the present era, where there is widespread openness to indecency both within schools and in general society. However, Huzooraa pointed out that this indecency is not labelled as such in Western countries; rather, it is often portrayed as progressive education of the modern era. Huzooraa clarified that this is not genuine education but rather an agenda propagated by those who oppose the Almighty God. Huzooraa emphasised that it is the duty of every nasir to understand how to effectively counter this agenda.
In the end, Huzooraa emphasised, “It is essential for everyone to foster a personal relationship with Allah, the Almighty.”
Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa then conveyed his salaam to all members, and the mulaqat came to a successful end.
(Report prepared by Al Hakam)